Force Force One SUV EX

The Force One SUV EX is a full-size SUV that was designed to compete with the likes of the Tata Safari and Mahindra Scorpio. It boasts a large body with features such as a wide bonnet, chrome grille, and high-quality headlamps, giving it a masculine and sturdy exterior appearance. The SUV is powered by a 2.2-liter common rail turbo diesel engine, producing up to 140 PS and 315 Nm of torque, which provides responsive performance with no turbo lag. It comes with a range of features including rear AC vents, parking sensors, cruise control, and a height-adjustable driver seat. The vehicle offers a comfortable and luxurious interior, with ample space for passengers and a smooth ride quality, thanks in part to inputs from Lotus Engineering. Despite its strong points, the Force One struggled in the market, leading to limited production and sales, which affects its aftermarket support and spare parts availability.

The Force One SUV EX is a mixed bag when it comes to making a buying decision, especially in the used car market. On the positive side, it offers a spacious and comfortable interior, a powerful engine with no turbo lag, and a smooth ride quality, which is commendable for Indian road conditions. However, the major drawbacks include the scarcity of spare parts, limited aftermarket support, and a lack of expertise in maintenance, which can be a significant headache for owners. The vehicles sales history and the fact that only 3500 units were manufactured add to the concerns about its long-term reliability and support. While it may appeal to those looking for a large SUV at a budget-friendly price of around 3-4 lakh rupees for a 2014 model, the potential maintenance issues and lack of recognition in the market make it a risky purchase.

Force Motors has discontinued several variants of the Force One SUV, including the EX and SX models, due to low demand. The last recorded prices for these variants ranged from Rs 8.72 lakhs to Rs 13.17 lakhs. This move indicates the companys shift in focus towards more viable models. I believe this decision was necessary to streamline their product lineup and allocate resources more efficiently.

The Force One SUV, despite its size and features, failed to gain significant market share, leading to it being considered a sales dud. It was designed to compete with full-size SUVs like the OG Safari and Scorpio but did not manage to leave a lasting impression. I think the lack of brand recognition and marketing efforts contributed to its poor performance.

Force Motors has been considering the termination of the Force One SUVs production and sale since 2016, due to poor sales. The company managed to sell only 3,008 units from November 2011 to January 2016, far below their initial target. This decision reflects the SUVs struggle to compete against rivals like the Mahindra Scorpio and Tata Safari. I believe this move was inevitable given the lack of market traction.

Force Motors introduced an all-wheel drive variant of the Force One SUV in May 2014, priced at Rs 13.98 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). This 4x4 variant was aimed at enhancing the SUVs off-road capabilities and appealing to a more adventurous audience. I believe this was a smart move to differentiate the Force One from its competitors.

In July 2013, Force Motors launched two new variants of the Force One SUV, the EX and SX models. The base EX variant was priced at Rs 8.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi), aiming to attract more buyers with its competitive pricing. These new variants were part of the companys efforts to boost sales in the competitive SUV segment. I think these additions were a good move, but they came a bit late to make a significant impact.

The Force One SUV EX, when it was new, was priced between Rs. 9.59 lakh and Rs. 16.33 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant. However, for a used 2014 model, the prices have dropped significantly, with listings often seen in the range of Rs. 3-4 lakh. This pricing makes it an attractive option for those on a tight budget looking for a full-size SUV. However, its crucial to negotiate further, as the demand for this model is low, and sellers may be willing to lower the price. Additionally, the on-road price for a used model would include minimal additional costs such as registration and insurance, given its age and lower market value.

The Force One SUV EX offers a mileage of 17 kmpl as per ARAI certification, which is respectable for a vehicle of its size and power output. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage ranging from 12-14 kmpl on highways and around 9-10 kmpl in city driving. This fuel economy is decent considering the vehicles size and the power it delivers, making it a reasonable choice for those concerned about running costs.